Under Siege, Mayor Makes First Public Appearance Since Allegations in Surprise Showing at San Diego Pride

Although at least one local San Diego television news broadcast erroneously reported that San Diego Mayor Bob Filner showed up at Balboa Park with an entourage of staff and advisers in tow, the scandal-embroiled mayor came to Pride unannounced, escorted only by Nicole Murray Ramirez, co-founder of San Diego LGBT Pride. The two made a circuit walking around the festival, all the while receiving greetings and warm wishes from attendees of all ages, genders and (presumably) sexual orientations.

"I thought he'd get at least some negative feedback," said Ramirez. "But every single person, men and women, young and old, said 'you have my support.'" According to Ramirez, one celebrant told the mayor he voted for Filner and, given the chance, would do so again.

Filner has been accused by a leading voice in San Diego politics, former City Councilwoman Donna Frye, of sexual harassment against unnamed women.

It was a surprisingly ebullient, though clearly subdued <strong>Mayor Bob Filner</strong> (center) who was warmly received by festival goers of all ages and genders as San Diego LGBT Pride co-founder, <strong>Nicole Murray Ramirez</strong> (not pictured) escorted the former congressman through Balboa Park Sunday, July 14, 2013. (PHOTO: BIG MIKE PHILLIPS)